Posted in Whathaveyou on April 4th, 2022 by JJ Koczan
Some crossover here between Uleåborg Festival of Psychedelia 2022 and what would’ve been the fest in 2020, most notably Sweden’s Agusa making the trip from Malmö to Oulu, Finland (about 20 hours by car), to serve as headliners. Radiopuhelimet and Estonia’s Zahir are back as well, and it seems to me that the fest has packed more into a single day here than it was planning on doing for 2020. Perhaps that has something to do with the free-shows-around-Oulu idea, so that it’s less about standing in a room for 12 hours and watching band after another set up and break down their gear to play an abbreviated set, and more about immersion in a culture of psychedelia that extends beyond those bounds.
Thinking of it that way, you might not see everything if you go, but there’s a lot to be said for the experience. And you can hit up Tukikohta later on, anyhow. Presumably that’s where Agusa will be.
Details came straight from the event page on Facebook, and here they are:
ULEÅBORG FESTIVAL OF PSYCHEDELIA – July 16, 2022
Uleåborg Festival of Psychedelia returns after two years break!
UFOP 2022 festival is arranged during one day on Saturday 16th July and the new gig orienteering concept includes free gigs around the city of Oulu. So take a map and head for a multidisciplinary and multidimensional art experience!
The festival will include a wide variety of artists and gigs from midday till late night in different locations. The day’s psychedelic path will lead to Tukikohta, Välivainio, where the payable main event will be held.
By buying the ticket to the main event you will also support the arranging of the free gigs! Yet again the festival will include a wide variety of local visual artists, psychedelic visualizations and surprises.
Tickets: https://www.tiketti.fi/tapahtuma/81489
Line-up: Agusa (SWE) Haamusoittajat Hebosagil Horte Illyana Kas Kan Mesak Otilia Radiopuhelimet Seli Seli Skyjoggers Tuomas Henrikin Jeesuksen Kristuksen Bändi Zahir (EST)
I knew I wanted to start the show with Fuzzy Lights and I knew I wanted to end with Iceburn. Putting together the in-between was where the adventure happened here. I included some stuff still rippling out from the Quarterly Review last month — that’s you, Expo Seventy, The Black Heart Death Cult, LáGoon (also Iceburn) — as well as some more that’s been kicking me around and covered here in the few weeks since one way or the other, like Healthyliving, Horte, The Angelus, Guhts, Hippie Death Cult, Ouzo Bazooka, Kadabra, Ealdor Bealu and Acid Magus. Top that off with The Otolith covering “Would?” and it’s a pretty cool progression of sound and style. There’s a lot to dig here. If you listen, I hope you dig it.
And if you don’t listen — and I don’t have numbers to back this up but in my head no one ever gives a crap about anything I do except me; there are pros and cons to this position — and you’ve made your way to this post anyhow, I hope you take the here’s-a-list-of-bands-you-might-want-to-check-out-cue and hear something you might not have otherwise heard. That’s pretty much what I’m here for.
Either way, thanks for listening and/or reading. I hope you enjoy.
The Obelisk Show airs 5PM Eastern today on the Gimme app or at: http://gimmemetal.com
Full playlist:
The Obelisk Show – 08.06.21
Fuzzy Lights
Songbird
Burials
Expo Seventy
Echoes of Ether
Evolution
Healthyliving
Below
Until / Below
Horte
Pelko karistaa järjen
Maa antaa yön vaientaa
VT
LáGoon
Skullactic Visions
Skullactic Visions
The Black Heart Death Cult
Trees
Sonic Mantras
Ouzo Bazooka
Monsters
Dalya
Kadabra
Settle Me
Ultra
Acid Magus
Conscientious Pugilist
Wyrd Syster
VT
Hippie Death Cult
Circle of Days
Circle of Days
The Angelus
Hex Born
Why We Never Die
Ealdor Bealu
Isolation
Spirit of the Lonely Places
Guhts
Handless Maiden
Blood Feather
The Otolith
Would?
Alice in Chains Dirt: Redux
VT
Iceburn
Dahlia Rides the Firebird
Asclepius
The Obelisk Show on Gimme Metal airs every Friday 5PM Eastern, with replays Sunday at 7PM Eastern. Next new episode is Aug. 20 (subject to change). Thanks for listening if you do.
Posted in audiObelisk on August 5th, 2021 by JJ Koczan
The second full-length from Finland’s Horte, titled Maa Antaa Yön Vaientaa, is set to release on Aug. 27 through Pelagic Records. The four-piece bear some at-least-tertiary relation to outfits like Dark Buddha Rising and Oranssi Pazuzu — the acclaimed ‘Waste of Space’ collective in Tampere — but explore textures vastly different from those dark and/or blown-out confines. Combining spaciousness and intimacy amid washes of psychedelia and indie-style electronics, organic drums, bass and guitar meeting with synthesizer beats all behind the flowing melodies of vocalist Riika, the almost-humble 36-minute follow-up to Horte‘s 2017 self-titled debut is sweetly-colored in its post-rocking patience, making each wavelength count as different elements intertwine on opener “Pelko Karistaa Järjen” or the soon to follow side A pair of “Kilpemme” and “Valoa on Liika,” the last of skirts the line of minimalism only because it’s so quiet, but is deceptively rich in its layered depths, the central beat looping more like a found-sound than something purposefully conjured from a keyboard or MIDI bank, and though it’s among the more rhythmically active cuts on the album, “Ilman Nurkka” (premiering below) holds to the central vibe, melancholic despite my ignorance of the Finnish language, but exploratory and beautiful.
Comprised mostly of Maa Antaa Yön Vaientaa‘s two longest tracks “Kun Joki Haihtuu” (6:27) and “Väisty Tieltä” (7:08), side B finds Horte pushing further outward in structure and both making and paying off more weighted threats of volume. “Kun Joki Haihtuu” spends most of its time rolling along its readily fuzzed bassline, but grows into a jazzy barrage of crashes before hitting its midpoint and seems to spend the next verses collecting itself, at least before its final devolution to piano keys throughout its last minute or so, deathly quiet as a setup for the immediate punch of drums, low end and rhythmic shove that is “Väisty Tieltä,” with percussion, keyboard or effects wash swirling over the churn and a build of its own underway until it drops out and Riika‘s voice enters for a first verse. There’s a reason this song was the lead single despite also being the longest piece on the record, and “Ilman Nurkka” makes a fair enough follow-up with its own pulse, but the central persona of Maa Antaa Yön Vaientaa as a whole is just as much — if not more — soothing than it is brash. I suppose “Väisty Tieltä” shows that in its final stretch, but the spirit there is more sci-fi soundtrack triumph and aftermath by the time they’re done than it is the serenity of “Kilpemme” earlier or the vastly spacious, mostly-drone “Konttaa” which follows as an outro to the proceedings.
It would be a case of dual personalities were the sound and the underlying craft not so cohesive. As it stands, Horte come across as dynamic without losing themselves in the process any more than they wish to in a moment like that surge in “Väisty Tieltä” or in the hypnotic wistfulness that’s captured as “Pelko Karistaa Järjen” deconstructs en route to “Ilman Nurkka.” These stretches are myriad across Maa Antaa Yön Vaientaa, and they make the album refreshing even at its most barely-there, because it’s an opportunity to breathe. It would be inappropriate for Horte to force the issue, to thrust a song at you, and even at its most physically moving, Maa Antaa Yön Vaientaa doesn’t do that. Instead, they sweep the listener along, fast or slow, like a river current, peaceful here, sometimes on a faster downhill slide, until finally they reach the destination that “Konttaa” seems to provide. It’s sunny there, mostly.
“Ilman Nurkka” premieres on the player that follows here. Info from the PR wire is under that in the blue text, as ever. You’ll see the preorder link. It stands out.
Please enjoy:
Horte, “Ilman Nurkka” track premiere
“Ilman nurkka”, taken from Horte’s new album “Maa antaa yön vaientaa”. Out August 27 via Pelagic Records. Stream / Download / Pre-order here:https://bit.ly/horteDGTL
“Maa antaa yön vaientaa” is as captivating as it is alienating. The second album by Finnish Post-Rock extravaganza HORTE is a dark and mesmerizing journey that is best consumed in one sitting – or else you’ll miss all the dramatic arcs. HORTE demand your undivided attention.
“Our principal goal is to keep the focus on the music without highlighting us as individuals”, says singer Riikka.
It is her otherworldly but ultimately pacifying voice which inevitably places HORTE’s dreamy, psychedelically distorted soundscapes in the far North. Besides the vocals, the bass is the most prominent and most tangible element in these soundscapes, standing tall between eerie synth clouds, broken beats and a voice that oscillates between subdued aspiration and bitter laments.
Field recordings and sound collages stand at the beginning of the group’s songwriting process, collected material from differing stratums that gets processed into a skeletal pre-composition, before the whole band arranges the pieces together. “Our way is to work with the material as long as it takes for the piece to figure itself out. Sound comes with it. There is always a compositional vision of how the pieces should sound in a broader sense”, says Riikka.
The Finish Four piece released their self-titled debut album via SVART Records in 2017. Maa antaa yon vaientaa (“Let the earth be silenced by night”) was recorded by the band at their homes and at Tonehaven Studio in Tampere, Finland. As an outside observer, Juho Vanhanen (Oranssi Pazuzu) worked with Horte on the production. The album was mixed by Saku Tamminen (Dark Buddha Rising).
1. Pelko karistaa järjen 2. Ilman nurkka 3. Kilpemme 4. Valoa on liikaa 5. Kun joki haihtuu 6. Väisty tieltä 7. Konttaa, ne konttaa II
Posted in Whathaveyou on December 14th, 2017 by JJ Koczan
Well, here’s Roadburn 2018 wishing you happy holidays as pretty much only Roadburn can. With Boris and Stephen O’Malley playing Absolutego in full, a one-off collaboration between Oranssi Pazuzu and Dark Buddha Rising kicking off the festival, additional whole-record performances from Godflesh and Hooded Menace, a European debut from Khemmis, plus the likes of Thou & The Body, Motorpsycho, Fuoco Fatuo, Forgotten Tomb, Wolfbrigade and of course a completely overwhelming ton of others. So yeah, happy holidays from Roadburn, I guess. Probably even happier if you already have your tickets for next April.
If you don’t, gadzooks, I hear it’s the holidays.
From the PR wire:
Further artists confirmed for 2018 edition of Roadburn Festival; including details of specially commissioned performance
– Dark Buddha Rising and Oranssi Pazuzu collaborate on commissioned project, Waste of Space Orchestra – Boris join forces with Stephen O’Malley for Absolutego performance – Jacob Bannon adds Godflesh, Motorpsycho, Thou x The Body and Forgotten Tomb to his curation – Justin K Broadrick and Kevin Martin unite as Zonal, with Moor Mother – Hooded Menace to play Fulfill The Curse in its entirety
COMMISSIONED PROJECT: WASTE OF SPACE ORCHESTRA
Artistic Director Walter Hoeijmakers commented:
“Roadburn has always been about bringing people together, creating a network where the line between friend, fan, performer and artist is blurred. The very foundation of Roadburn is the community that it is built upon, around, and within. Alongside this, Roadburn has always sought to push the boundaries of creativity and expression.
These two defining facets of Roadburn have been brought together for a brand new project – or rather, two brand new projects – for 2018. For the first time, we have commissioned a two groups of entirely separate musicians to create music to be performed specifically at Roadburn. Today we’re thrilled to announce the first of those groups of musicians.”
Familiar to most Roadburners, Dark Buddha Rising and Oranssi Pazuzu are combining their forces to write and perform a new concept piece especially for Roadburn 2018. The collaboration will be titled the Waste of Space Orchestra.
The performance will include ten musicians onstage plus an original video accompaniment, designed to tell a parallel story with the music. The ten-part, one hour piece is a dive into the consciousnesses of three beings – all of whom are on a search for deeper truths in comprehending reality.
The Waste of Space Orchestra performance will open the main stage on the first day of Roadburn 2018 – Thursday, April 19.
BORIS AND STEPHEN O’MALLEY PERFORMING ABSOLUTEGO
It was Absolutego that kickstarted everything for Boris in 1996 and put that strange little band from Tokyo named after a Melvins song on the map. If you further exercise your memory, you will surely recall that Absolutego was – above everything – a drone album, one single track that took the listener on a strange, intense and very dark trip.
We’ve invited Boris to come and perform that whole Absolutego giant of sound, and they said yes. Joining them for this exclusive, one off performance is none other than Stephen O’Malley.
Boris with Stephen O’Malley will play Absolutego on Saturday, April 21 at the 013 venue, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
JACOB BANNON’S CURATION
MOTORPSYCHO
“When discussing with Walter potential artists that fit the experimental spirit of Roadburn Festival, we both landed on the idea of Motorpsycho. I was first exposed to the band through their Demon Box album and have attempted to follow their unique twists and turns since. Their output is legendary and their need for experimentation has been inspiring to follow over the years. It is a true honor to help bring this diverse voice to the Roadburn audience.”
– Jacob Bannon.
GODFLESH
As part of Jacob Bannon’s curation, Godflesh will perform their groundbreaking album Selfless at Roadburn Festival 2018.
“I first experienced Godflesh when I picked up the Grindcrusher compilation from Earache Records as a teenager. The otherworldly power of Streetcleaner effected me in a way that I still find hard to describe. Since then I have been an avid follower of all music that Justin creates. Though I celebrate the expansive Broadrick catalog as a whole, it is his forays into melody under the Godflesh name I really connect with. Selfless as is an album that has everything for me. Punishing heaviness, incredible hooks, and limitless emotional depth. It is a true honor that they have agreed to play this album in its entirety at Roadburn 2018.”
– Jacob Bannon.
CURATION: THOU X THE BODY
“Since their inception I’ve been following Thou. Their restlessness and drive for experimentation has been inspiring to follow. The same goes for The Body. They’ve been such an incredible band to watch evolve from release to release. When they joined together on their Released From Love and You Whom I Have Always Hated collaborations I was floored. Together, they amplify the best parts of each band’s individual output. Making some of the heaviest and most intense music of the last few years. This collaboration is a must listen and perfect fit for Roadburn Festival.”
– Jacob Bannon
CURATION: FORGOTTEN TOMB
“I was first exposed to Forgotten Tomb through their incredible Springtime Depression album. To me, Herr Morbid’s vision was immediately appealing. Carrying a relatable sadness and inescapable darkness unequaled by other artists of the time. Since then I’ve been following his growth as an artist and the evolution of the band. I feel that artistically Forgotten Tomb are a perfect fit for the core Roadburn audience. They are a musical black hole that claims everything around it. I can’t wait to experience their set at Roadburn Festival 2018.”
– Jacob Bannon
ZONAL WITH MOOR MOTHER
Justin K. Broadrick is such an integral part of the Roadburn backbone by now that he needs little introduction. When it was announced that Justin and Kevin Martin, aka The Bug – who already made himself part of Roadburn with a staggering show alongside Dylan Carlson of Earth this year – would reunite under the name Zonal (a spiritual continuation from their iconic Techno Animal duo) it registered on our always-on radar. They will be joined by Camae Ayewa, the musician, activist and poet from Philadelphia who also goes by the name Moor Mother.
HOODED MENACE
Since their earliest rumblings, Finnish cult doomsters Hooded Menace have held an astonishingly high profile in the underground realms. Their uniquely energetic take on the classic hybrid of doom and death metal has been invigorating audience since the release of their 2008 classic, Fulfill the Curse. We’re thrilled to announce that the band will perform this classic album in full at Roadburn 2018.
TICKET ONSALE INFORMATION Roadburn 2018 tickets are on sale now. 3 and 4 day tickets are currently available, with day tickets going on sale at a later date.
4-day-tickets €198,40 (including €3,40 service fees) 3-day-tickets €175,40 (including €3,40 service fees)
Camping tickets are also available to purchase, with additional options (such as Festipis and camper vans) also possible. This year the urban campsite will be in a new location – but still within walking distance to the 013 venue – providing a comfortable and affordable option for Roadburn attendees.
Posted in Whathaveyou on June 29th, 2017 by JJ Koczan
Oh, don’t mind me. Just posting about another awesome and totally weirded-out festival happening in Europe with a range of bands from the improv psych of Electric Moon to the anti-genre E-Musikgruppe Lux Ohr and back again through the post-Sleep lumber of Albinö Rhino and the cultistry of Jess and the Ancient Ones. The 2017 Uleåborg Festival of Psychedelia as fodder for daydreams? You bet your ass. Book my flight. I’ll be there in a second. Mind if I sleep on your floor? Hope typing at night doesn’t keep you awake. Ha.
I’ve never been to Finland — neither have Electric Moon, as it happens; Uleåborg Festival of Psychedelia 2017 will mark their first appearance there — but Oulu (aka Uleåborg in Swedish) has consistently had cool stuff happening. Tampere, which is about six hours further south by car, gets a lot of the credit as a hotbed, and fairly enough so, but acts like Oulu Space Jam Collective and Deep Space Destructors are clearly trying to make something happen up north, and their efforts here are more than admirable in pulling together bands from all over Finland and beyond.
Full lineup and fest schedule follows, as thankfully translated via the PR wire:
ULEÅBORG FESTIVAL OF PSYCHEDELIA 2017
Uleåborg Festival of Psychedelia is a collision point of new music and art, which is to be held third time on 14th and 15th of July in Oulu, Finland.
The two day festival reveals new experiences, re-finds what has been forgotten, questions the deadlocks of the mind and ultimately provides fun experiences in a colourful company.
Open your mind, now is the time.
Line-up
Friday 14th of July: Jess And The Ancient Ones Tähtiportti Boar Missikisat Getsemane E-Musikgruppe Lux Ohr Horte Internet
Saturday 15th of July: Electric Moon (first time in Finland) Risto Mara Balls Esa Kotilainen E=SA2 Albinö Rhino Kap Kap Pekka Tuomi & Orfeuksen Lapset Punaisen Kuningattaren Periaate Hazard Wings Oulu Space Jam Collective
